Cyclists gear up for gruelling charity cycle
After a rousing send-off in Cork city yesterday, the large group of Tour de Munster fundraisers — led by former Irish cycling champion Sean Kelly — are planning to travel 150km from Killaloe in Co Clare to Tralee in Co Kerry by tonight.
By Sunday evening the army of amateur cyclists will have journeyed just over 600km through all six counties of Munster, including a daunting climb up Conor Pass tomorrow and Caha Pass on Sunday morning.
The feat, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the Tour de Munster, is taking place in an attempt to raise at least €100,000 for Down syndrome Ireland.
Speaking before the journey began, tour organiser Paul Sheridan — who has raised more than €500,000 for vital support groups over the past decade through the cycle — urged people living along the route to come out and support those taking part this weekend.
“As we cycle around the roads of Munster we hope the Tour will help put people with Down syndrome on the map for a better future.
“Down Syndrome Ireland, at both national and local level, has embraced the Tour with tremendous energy and volunteers will be out in their droves to collect from the generous people of Munster over the four days.
“Their hope is our inspiration, and we hope it will also inspire people to be as generous as possible for this extremely worthy cause,” he said.
Among the other groups to have been aided by the Tour de Munster in the past have been Chernobyl Children’s Charity, Enable Ireland and the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, with all donations to the tour this year going directly to Down Syndrome Ireland.
Updates on the progress of the cycling group — which is co-sponsored by the Irish Examiner, Red FM and Spin South West — can be found on Twitter at @tourdemunster.
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